Damian Grajewski

Application of Virtual Reality Techniques in Design of Ergonomic Manufacturing Workplaces

This paper presents possibilities of application of the immersive VR and the haptic technologies during the complex process of design and virtual prototyping of the manufacturing workplaces characterized with a high level of ergonomic quality. Two case studies are presented: a workplace for stud welding and a set of two workplaces, for hole drilling and manual assembly. In the first case study, haptic device with force feedback effect was used to improve ergonomics of main operator activities. In the second case study, immersive approach was used, namely Head-Mounted Device, tracking and gesture recognition systems, to test and improve ergonomics of the whole workplace. Application of VR techniques allows to present the virtual prototype of the workplace in its real operation environment, limiting the need for use of real mock-ups. Therefore, Virtual Reality allows to conduct a number of analyses related to designed prototypes, such as: dimensions of devices and possibilities of adjustment to height of the human operator, and arrangement of control and signaling devices according to the rules of ergonomic design. To conduct these analyses, full interaction between user and workplace must be programmed, including collision detection, kinematics of the devices and possibilities of activating their various functions in relation with other objects in the virtual scene.

Virtual 3D Atlas of a Human Body - Development of an Educational Medical Software Application

Abstract This paper presents a process of building a prototype of an educational application for teaching anatomy with elements of physiology, with use of a Virtual Reality environment. Preparation of mesh models of individual human organs is described, along with further visualization techniques, which were used to ensure a proper level of a visual representation. Stages of user interface preparation are also described – both visual and functional aspects covered – with a detailed review of a visual programming process, which was used to obtain a logical structure of connections inside the VR environment. Process of preparation of dynamic graphical data-namely animation of the pulmonary alveoli – and integration it with the virtual environment is also presented. The final application can be used in a number of ways, including large-screen stereoscopic projection with on- screen graphical user interface and single-user immersive stereoscopic projection using a head-mounted device with an optical tracking system. Results of assessment of the application advantages and disadvantages at the current stage of development allowed to formulate several directions of further advancement.

Multi-agent System to Support Decision-Making Process in Ecodesign

In the paper the application of multi-agent system to support decision-making process in ecodesign is presented. The ecodesign term is highlited either as the design problem or from the point of view of regulations. The structure of agent-system supporting the designer during the design process is showed. The basis of special kind of product model, that is the extension of standard 3D product model, called recycling-oriented product model (RmW), are described. The example results of analysis, based on real household appliance model, are presented.

Multi-agent system to support decision-making process in design for recycling

In this paper, the application of multi-agent system to support decision-making process in design for recycling is presented. The design for recycling term is highlighted either as the design problem or from the point of view of regulations. The structure of agent system supporting the designer during the design process is showed. The basis of special kind of product model, that is the extension of standard 3D product model, called recycling-oriented product model, is described. The example results of analysis, based on real household appliance model, are presented.

Process and product innovation needs integrated engineering collaboration skills

Collaboration skills have become an incontestable necessity for professionals in engineering teams. Engineering teams are becoming more and more interdisciplinary and distributed, products and the environments they are created, used and recycled in are increasingly complex. Design engineers, system architects as well as requirements engineers and managers have to be able to understand the product and its whole lifecycle in order to be able to respect the constraints and requirements that are imposed on the product by different actors. Many of these skills have to be developed and improved in the course of a professional career rather than in initial education. This paper gives insight into the development of one component of a consistent qualification and certification scheme, which is in its entirety particularly targeted at Integrated Design Engineers in various industrial sectors. Copyright

Efficiency of Automatic Design in the Production Preparation Process for an Intelligent Factory

This article presents the research on the efficiency of performance of automatic design of variant products system, including the process of product variant configuration, preparation of the 3D model in CAD system and the preparation of the assembly instructions for the manufacturing positions. The variants of the described product take the form of various combinations of individual assembly parts combined together and constitute an example of customized products, and the process of their manufacture (assembly) is the subject of the research carried out in the SmartFactory Laboratory at the Poznan University of Technology.

Automation of the Ecodesign Process for Industry 4.0

One of the key aspects of Industry 4.0 is high automation of various processes conducted through product lifecycle. In the article the authors consider the issue of final stages of product lifecycle and the automation of product assessment from ecological point-of-view in the context of Industry 4.0. The automation of product assessment is conducted by set of measures, calculated from special type of product model called Recycling Model of Product, that is also showed in the paper. The Recycling Model of Product and the assessment are conducted using dedicated module, operating in CAD 3D system environment. The assessment of example product is presented in the paper as well.

Examination of Effectiveness of a Performed Procedural Task Using Low-Cost Peripheral Devices in VR

The paper presents a Virtual Reality (VR) training system dedicated for interactive course focused on acquisition of competences in the field of manual procedural tasks. It was developed as a response for the growing market demand for low-cost VR systems supporting industrial training. A scenario for the implementation of an elementary manual operation (modified peg-in-hole task) was developed. The aim of the test was to show whether the prepared solution (along with peripheral devices) can be an effective tool for training the activities performed at the production site. The procedural task was performed by specific test groups using various peripheral devices. The paper presents preliminary results of tests regarding evaluation of effectiveness of virtual training, depending on specific peripheral devices used.

Automatization of the Ecodesign Process of Small Household Appliances based on CAD 3D System

A new approach to product quality assessment taken by manufacturers integrates environmental aspects. Design for the environment, also referred to as ecodesign or sustainable design, is an innovative approach to the traditional design process. It focuses on compliance with ecological standards at an early stage of design in CAD 3D environment. In this paper, main objectives of the ecodesign process automation method based on a CAD 3D system are presented. The ecodesign process of a small household appliance is analyzed. The main features of a dedicated software application with a graphical interface, which runs independently of the CAD 3D system, are presented.

Product Variants Recycling Cost Estimation with the Use of Multi-agent Support System

The article describes research on recycling-oriented analysis during product ecodesign. The study was conducted using a proprietary agent system operating based on the recycling-oriented product model. The analysis focused on a household appliance: an electric kettle. The authors developed a project of a new appliance and then created its geometric model in a CAD 3D system. Next, analyses were conducted to compare the recyclability of the appliance with different material and joint combinations. A total of 16 different variants of the appliance were designed within the project. Each of them was evaluated for its recycling parameters and cost of recycling.